Lemon Glazed Wheat Germ Balls
Delightful lemon-glazed wheat germ balls offer a nutty, sweet flavor with a tangy citrus twist, perfect for a nutritious snack or a light dessert option.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soft butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/4 cup light molasses ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup wheat germ ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Beat in molasses.
- Mix together flour, wheat germ, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture and add raisins.
- Spread the batter in a greased 8 or 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a pick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Spread with Lemon Glaze while still hot.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a different sweetener, honey or agave syrup can work in place of molasses, though the flavor will vary. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming. You can also add chopped nuts or other dried fruits to enhance texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Glazed Wheat Germ Balls are perfect as a snack or a light dessert. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with Alice Morgan'S Savory Oven Pot Roast as part of a comforting meal. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Glazed Wheat Germ Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Glazed Wheat Germ Balls contains roughly 858 calories, with 6g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or even maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may alter the batter's consistency, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right texture.
What can I use instead of wheat germ?
If you don't have wheat germ, you can substitute it with ground flaxseed or oat bran. Both options will add fiber and nutrients, while giving a slightly different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the quantities if needed to maintain balance in the recipe.
Can I freeze these Lemon Glazed Wheat Germ Balls?
Absolutely! These treats freeze well. Just ensure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).